United had to work hard for their point and had man of the match Rob Elliot to thank for it after he pulled off some stunning blocks to deny the Portuguese League outfit.

And when United cooled down after a tough shift in Madeira they will probably be happy with the 0-0 stalemate.

For this is a point in the bank, and with two successive home games to come against Bordeaux and Brugge, Newcastle can really put one foot in the last 32 if they beat both.

The Magpies rode their luck at times last night, but could also have netted a win had Shola Ameobi not been felled by both the woodwork and the home goalkeeper.

In temperatures of 26 degrees with a cool breeze sweeping in from the Atlantic Ocean, Newcastle kicked off the group stages of their Europa League campaign.

The game had a real party theme to it as Maritimo enjoyed hosting one of their biggest ever games in European competition against the Magpies.

United’s clash with the Portuguese League side kicked off with a picturesque backdrop of the Madeira Hills while locals watched on over the top of the stadium from their villa balconies.

As the cigar fumes swept up the crumbling main stand amid the intense humidity it all felt a far cry from the cold weather of Tyneside.

And those United fans who did make the trip were determined to enjoy the rewards of last season’s top-five finish.

On a bobbly and dry pitch United could have easily fallen a goal behind when David Simao crossed from the left and Heldon just failed to connect after 90 seconds.

That was merely a warning shot for Newcastle though, and they had Elliot to thank for keeping out Sami after a volley on target was scooped over the bar.

Moments later Elliot saved with his feet to deny the same player in another scary moment for the Mags.

Newcastle were made to work hard by the home, and after 25 minute of huff and puff the intensity and humidity showed as the whole team took a water break whole Joao Luiz received treatment.

After the enforced break there was a marked improvement going forward by United.

First Mike Williamson’s deflected shot fell for Shola Ameobi, but he somehow missed from close range with the goal yawning in front of him.

Just before the half-hour mark Dan Gosling was slipped in by Haris Vuckic, but the England Under-21 star’s shot struck the base of the post.

The two teams traded blows up until the half-time whistle with some crunching tackles exchanged.

And the first half ended in controversial circumstances when Steven Taylor’s clear back pass was picked up by Elliot – to the fury of the home fans and players.

The second half started in better fashion for United, and after Shola Ameobi had robbed Joao Guilherme of the ball on the left he kept his composure before cracking the bar with a right footed effort after just two minutes of the restart.

There were other chances of Ameobi and his kid brother Sammy too, but they couldn’t find a way past Romain Salin as the game reached the final quarter. Yet at the other end it was Elliot who continued to ruin Sami’s night with a great save low to his left.

Roberge thought he’d won it with 10 minutes left when he headed at goal from a left wing corner – only for Davide Santon to head it from under the bar and clear to safety.

It was a moment of fortune for United – but one they just about deserved.

RYDER’S VERDICT: An instantly forgettable contest for United – but it is the point that matters.